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View Full Version : Can fleas cause worms?


pie812
Jan 6, 2012, 04:15 PM
I just discovered my cats have worms. I'm taking them to the vet in a few days, but I was just curious can Fleas cause Worms? My cats are both indoor, never go out but did have fleas for a few weeks. I did give them both Frontline, and now this. Anything helps! Thank you!

LadySam
Jan 6, 2012, 04:31 PM
An ingested flea can in fact result in tapeworms, a small rice like worm that they may deposit in the litterbox, bed or you may actually see it on their rectum. They are easily treated with meds from your vet.
Flea prevemtion is the key so keep the Frontline flowing.

LadySam
Jan 6, 2012, 04:36 PM
Sorry, bad spelling Flea "prevention". And don't freak out if this is what you see. Tapeworms are pretty harmless, you can't get them, they are just kind of gross.

tommynmisie
Jan 6, 2012, 05:48 PM
Please read this article from Cornell University.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/parasite.html

LadySam
Jan 6, 2012, 08:00 PM
Great parasite information. I am presuming that the OP is asking the question because they actually saw the worm. In that case-a tapeworm segment is white and about the size of a grain of rice. Roundworms look amazingly like a piece of spaghetti, Hooks and whips are microscopic. Roundworms typically make their exit after a deworming, so if the cats haven't recently been dewormed that is not impossible but not that likely, it is also an impossibility to have seen a hook or whipworm. In any event if you are concerned about other parasites there are dewormers that take care of them all.
Again, great info.

DizziNY
Jan 28, 2013, 02:02 PM
My Vet prescribes me Fipronil, the active ingredient in Frontline, and it lasts longer. I also just purchase tapeworm meds and medicate my cats along with the Fipronil.
If I have a cat that may have fleas, ticks, hook/round worm, and ear mites, I use Revolultion and tapeworm meds.Revolution also kills Heartworm.

I purchase Tradewinds. Then since my cats r indoor cats, I just use the fipronil and tapeworm meds if I get fleas.

Now, if they eat a fly, they can get Roundworm.

http://www.felinexpress.com/cat-health/cat-worms.asp